Part 21 (1/2)

And now another gun at the citadel, with the response fro fro seen at the castle-crowned hill which deepened the anxious expression on the face of the Mexican

”_Santos Dios_!” he exclaimed; ”just as I expected Look yonder, Senor!”

Kearney looked, to see a strea down the steep causehich zig-zags to the bottom of the hill A stream of nia, recognisable as Lancers They had neither weapons nor horses with them; but both, as Rivas kneould be at the _Cuartel_ and stables below He also knew that the _Lanzeros_ were trained soldiers-- a petted ar to ”boot and saddle”

More than ever was his look troubled now, still not despairing He had his hopes and plans

”Drop your file, Senor,” he said hurriedly; ”no time to finish that now

We must wait for a better opportunity And we'll have to leave the carriage behind; but not just yet”

By this they had arrived at the e out from Cayocaon, into which by his direction the horses were headed, going on without stop or slackening of speed And so for nearly anotherup

Rock, anticipating soe ca out upon the road, Kearney calling to the Texan--

”Drop the reins, Cris! Down; unhitch the horses Quick!”

And quick ca the dwarf after, who fell upon all fours; as he recovered his feet, looking as if he had lost his senses

No one heeded hireat even to stay for unbuckling

”Cut everything off!” cried Kearney, still speaking to Rock ”Leave on only the bridles”

With the knife late put into his hands the Texan went to work, Kearney hi the other, while Rivas held the horses and unhooked the bearing reins

Soon pole-pieces and hame-straps were severed; and the frisones led forward left all behind, save the bridles and collars

”Leave the collars on,” said Rivas, seeing there was no time to detach them ”Noe mount two and two; but first to dispose of him”

The ”him” was Jose, still seated on the box, apparently in a state of stupor

”Pull him down, Cris! Tie hi reins will do it”

The Texan kne to handle tying gear, as all Texans do, and in a trice the unresisting cochero was dragged froe wheels

But Rock had not done with hi more, which looked like wanton cruelty--as they wished it to look This was the opening of the poor fellow'shim with the stock of his ohip!

So, rendered voiceless and helpless, he saw the four forzados, two-and-two, get upon his horses and ride off, the only one who vouchsafed to speak a parting word being the dwarf--he calling back in a jocular way--

”_Adios, Senor cochero_! May your journey be as pleasant as your coach is slow Ha, ha, ha!”